Kurt Russell Grew Out His Own Big, Bushy Beard to Play Santa in Upcoming Christmas Movie

We’re used to seeing Kurt Russell flex his muscles as an action star, but he’s slipping into quite a different role this holiday season: Santa Claus. That’s right, the Big Trouble in Little China actor is trading in his more rugged looks for the traditional red velvet and white-trimmed outfit of Old Saint Nick. But it’s not his clothes in the upcoming Netflix film, The Christmas Chronicles, that’s causing everyone’s head to turn — it’s his impressive beard.

According to Netflix, the film follows young brother and sister Kate and Teddy Pierce (played by Darby Camp and Judah Lewis) who hatched a plan to capture Santa with their camera on Christmas Eve. Things don’t go exactly as they thought, however, and the pair end up on “an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.” That journey apparently kicks off when Kate and Teddy sneak onto Santa’s sleigh and accidentally cause it to crash. Obviously, that would make things difficult for Mr. Claus on his big night. The rest of the film unfolds as Kate, Teddy, Santa and his elves team up to save Christmas before it’s too late.

(Photo Credit: Michael Gibson for Netflix)

While sitting down for an interview with PEOPLE Now, Kurt’s young co-stars couldn’t help but dish on his thick gray beard. He certainly went above and beyond your typical mall Santa! You might think the whole bushy beard was mostly produced by a talented makeup team, but Kurt apparently helped them out plenty on his own. Although Judah was quick to say the beard was “all him,” Darby cleared things up by explaining it was actually “like 80 percent” real. Although the makeup crew was always on-hand to make sure the follicles looked their fullest, the majority of Saint Nick's signature was beard provided by Kurt. Clearly, he was born to play this beloved holiday role.

You’ll be able to streamThe Christmas Chronicles on Netflix starting November 22, 2018 — perfect timing to kick back and relax with Kurt and his beard in its full glory after your Thanksgiving feast!